Tips for Avoiding Motorcyclists

Sharing the road safely is the responsibility of all drivers, and one of the most vulnerable groups on the road are motorcyclists. In the United States, motorcycle accidents account for a disproportionate number of road fatalities. With their smaller size and unique maneuverability, motorcyclists often go unnoticed by car drivers, which can lead to dangerous situations. At A-Hero Driving School, we prioritize safety for all road users, and this blog aims to help drivers become more aware of motorcyclists and avoid accidents. If you're learning to drive or want to refresh your skills, A-Hero Driving School offers a 30-hour online driving education course that is approved by the California DMV. You can check it out on our website at https://aherodrivingschool.com/online-course. This course, provided by our experienced partners at Welcomedriver.com, has been trusted in California for over 20 years. Upon completion, students receive the certificate required to take the permit test. You can take the course on your computer, tablet, or phone from anywhere, at any time. Let?s dive into some key tips to keep both you and motorcyclists safe on the road. 1. Always Check Blind Spots One of the most common reasons drivers fail to see motorcyclists is due to blind spots. Motorcycles are significantly smaller than cars and can be easily hidden by a vehicle's pillars or mirrors. Always take extra time to double-check your blind spots, especially when changing lanes. Don?t rely solely on mirrors?physically turning your head can make all the difference. Pro Tip: Use the "SMOG" technique?Signal, Mirror, Over-the-shoulder, Go?before switching lanes. This ensures you?ve covered all angles where a motorcyclist could be riding. 2. Keep a Safe Following Distance Motorcycles can stop more quickly than larger vehicles, so it?s essential to maintain a safe following distance. Tailgating a motorcycle is dangerous because if the rider needs to brake suddenly, you may not have enough time to react. A good rule of thumb is to keep at least a 4-second gap between your car and the motorcycle ahead. This buffer zone provides you with adequate time to respond to any sudden changes in speed or direction. Motorcycles are also more affected by road conditions like gravel, oil, or potholes, which may cause them to brake or swerve unexpectedly. By maintaining a safe distance, you give both yourself and the rider room to navigate safely. 3. Respect Their Lane Space Motorcyclists have the right to use a full lane, just like any other vehicle. Do not attempt to share a lane with a motorcycle or squeeze past them, even in heavy traffic. Crowding a motorcycle is dangerous because it leaves the rider with little room to maneuver. Always allow motorcyclists enough space to safely ride and respond to road conditions. In some states, motorcyclists are allowed to lane split (ride between lanes) under specific conditions. California, for example, permits lane splitting when done safely. If you're driving in an area where lane splitting is allowed, remain calm and avoid sudden lane changes. 4. Use Extra Caution at Intersections Intersections are among the most dangerous spots for motorcyclists. In fact, many motorcycle accidents occur when cars fail to yield the right of way at an intersection. A significant number of these crashes happen when a car makes a left turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle. When approaching an intersection, always look twice for motorcyclists, especially before making turns. Yield to oncoming motorcyclists just as you would to any other vehicle. Taking that extra second to check your surroundings could prevent a collision. 5. Be Mindful of Weather Conditions Motorcyclists are more vulnerable to adverse weather conditions than drivers of enclosed vehicles. Rain, snow, or even strong winds can make it difficult for them to stay balanced and maintain control. Wet roads, in particular, increase the likelihood of a motorcycle skidding. As a driver, it?s crucial to give motorcyclists even more space in bad weather. If the road is wet or visibility is poor, increase your following distance, and be cautious when passing. 6. Avoid Distractions While Driving Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents across the board, but it?s especially dangerous for motorcyclists, who are harder to spot in the first place. Texting, adjusting the radio, or using your GPS can take your attention away from the road long enough to miss a motorcyclist in your vicinity. At A-Hero Driving School, we emphasize the importance of keeping your focus on the road. If you need to make adjustments to your GPS or answer a call, always pull over to a safe location. 7. Be Aware of Motorcyclists? Hand Signals Unlike cars, motorcycles may not always rely on electronic signals to indicate their intentions. Riders often use hand signals to communicate lane changes or turns, especially if their lights aren?t functioning properly. Familiarize yourself with common hand signals so you can anticipate a motorcyclist's next move. For example: A left arm extended straight out indicates a left turn. A left arm bent at a right angle, with the hand pointing upwards, signals a right turn. A left arm bent downward at a right angle means the rider is slowing down or stopping. By understanding these signals, you can better predict the motorcyclist?s movements and respond accordingly. 8. Give Extra Space When Passing If you need to pass a motorcycle, do so cautiously. Avoid cutting in front of them too closely after overtaking. When passing, ensure you leave plenty of room and avoid accelerating aggressively, as the wind blast from your vehicle can destabilize the motorcycle. In some cases, motorcyclists may weave slightly within their lane to avoid road hazards like potholes or debris. Keep this in mind as you prepare to pass, and always give them the space they need to navigate safely. 9. Understand the Challenges Motorcyclists Face It?s important to remember that motorcyclists face different challenges on the road compared to car drivers. Road hazards, weather conditions, and visibility issues impact motorcyclists more severely. By understanding their unique perspective, you can become a more empathetic and cautious driver. Conclusion Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users, and as drivers, it's our responsibility to be vigilant and considerate of their presence. By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and ensure the roads are safer for everyone. At A-Hero Driving School, we believe that education is key to safer driving. Our 30-hour online driving education course provides comprehensive lessons, covering everything from defensive driving to awareness of vulnerable road users like motorcyclists. The course is offered in partnership with Welcomedriver.com, who has been a leader in online driving education in California for over 20 years. It's available 24/7 on any device with internet access, and upon completion, you'll receive a certificate to take the permit test. For more information, visit https://aherodrivingschool.com/online-course. Stay safe, and remember: sharing the road responsibly is the best way to protect all drivers, motorcyclists, and pedestrians.